Rail Carriage Wedge Brake With Inclined Rolling Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking and clamping devices for carriages on rails lack a simple, space-saving design with high clamping forces and short reaction times, while also being maintenance-free.
Innovation Solution
A braking and clamping device with a wedge mechanism actuated by an external energy source, featuring a movable actuator with a longitudinal guide that encloses a wedge angle of 0.2 to 5 degrees, and a rolling zone with a flat surface or groove aligned parallel to the direction of travel, utilizing a spline gear and rolling elements to apply and release braking or clamping forces efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional wedge mechanism with larger wedge angle is used, then the clamping force is increased, but the reaction time increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the wedge angle to a specific range (0.2 to 5 degrees) and configuring the rolling zone geometry to achieve optimal performance. This balanced parameter selection allows the device to generate sufficient clamping force while maintaining short reaction times, resolving the contradiction between force magnitude and response speed.
2Force
If a conventional wedge mechanism with larger wedge angle is used, then the clamping force is increased, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved rolling surfaces and cylindrical rolling elements instead of flat surfaces. This curvature allows for more efficient force transmission through rolling motion, achieving high clamping forces with a more compact and simpler wedge mechanism design, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a sliding wedge mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but maintenance is required due to friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes sliding friction with rolling friction by introducing rolling elements (cylinders or balls) between the wedge and the friction block. This mechanical substitution eliminates direct sliding contact, dramatically reducing wear and friction losses, thereby achieving maintenance-free operation while preserving structural simplicity.
4Force
If the wedge angle is increased, then the clamping force is improved, but the cross-sectional profile becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the rolling dimension by introducing cylindrical or spherical rolling elements that rotate rather than slide. This dimensional change from sliding to rolling motion allows for more compact geometry, achieving high clamping forces with a reduced cross-sectional profile suitable for integration with standard guide carriages.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves high clamping forces with short reaction times and is maintenance-free, maintaining a compact cross-sectional profile suitable for integration with commercially available guide carriages, and can be used as an emergency brake on linear or curved tracks.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge mechanism has at least one cage which is displaceably mounted between at least one pressure piece and/or friction jaws and at least one rolling zone on the housing or a support element arranged in the housing
Implementation Method 2
the spring system comprising at least one spring element
Implementation Method 3
at least one friction block which can be actuated via a wedge mechanism and has at least one friction block which can be pressed against the rail
Data Source
Figure 1~14
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~15
AI summary
The invention relates to a braking and/or clamping device for a slide (10) guided on at least one rail (7), wherein the device comprises at least one friction brake (51, 151) actuated via a wedge drive (50, 150), which has at least one friction shoe (53) that can be pressed against the rail (7). The wedge drive components (45, 145, 54, 154, 71, 72, 91, 92), which are moved by means of external energy, are movable for loading and unloading the friction brake (51, 151) in each loading and unloading direction by means of at least one actuator (60, 160) or by means of a spring system. The individual wedge drive (50, 150) has at least one separate cage (71, 72). A housing-side rolling zone (46) has an end face facing the cage (71, 72) which is aligned parallel to the direction of travel of the moving part (61) of the actuator. The rolling zone (46) has a wedge angle of 0.2 to 5 degrees relative to the carriage travel direction (2).The present invention develops a braking and/or clamping device which, despite high clamping forces and short reaction times, has a simple and space-saving design and is also permanently maintenance-free.